From the moment I walked onto the show floor at Aquatic Experience on Saturday morning, I found myself surrounded by excited families with smiling children marveling at all of the exhibits. It’s no wonder considering it was a bustling hall featuring everything for the aquatics enthusiast.

Having an animal companion has been shown to help to reduce stress and blood pressure, increase a child’s sense of responsibility, teach compassion and promote an interest in conservation. And we are not just talking dogs and cats here.